Need Hiking Outfit Help!

I’m not clear what you’re looking for.  Used gear for sale?  Suggestions for a wardrobe the fits a big, tall guy?  On the cheap or with a decent budget?

Oh I apologize for not being clear enough.

I am looking for wardrobe suggestions  that fit my build, so that could be from brands to specific items people have experience with and like.

A lot depends on your preferences, but for tick country in summer, I prefer long pants, even if it’s hot. For summer active hiking clothing, I tend to stick with affordable, mainstream choices. Something like the REI Sahara convertible pants are readily available to try on in-store, come in many sizes and are relatively affordable – plus you can convert them to shorts if and when you want to. They are not the lightest or best fitting (a bit baggy for the size), but a good compromise of features and price IMHO.

For tops, light synthetic knit shirts are popular and there are lots of brands at places like REI to try on, but I prefer a woven long sleeve shirt for the bug protection and sun protection (like the Eddie Bauer Rainier shirt or Rail Riders shirts) – and you can roll up the sleeves and open the front if it’s hot. REI has some shirts in this category too. If it’s really hot out (80’s or higher) and it’s a short trip, I prefer a simple old cotton T shirt. But synthetic shirts are a safer choice for a longer trip were conditions are more likely to change.

Far less expensive than “outdoor” brands is Duluth Trading Company.  Their main market is tradespeople and contractors, and their signature products are their “Anti-plumber’s butt” t-shirts that have an extra 3 inches so they stay tucked in when you bend over.  My Celtic ancestry gave me a relatively long torso, so although I’m only 6’0″, most mens’ mediums shirts are bit short on me while men’s large is often too billowy around my middle.   But DTC’s t-shirts in medium or even small fit and give me enough length.  For you, their medium or large would probably work.

The other mainstream products that fit me well are LL Bean’s men’s medium-tall.  Their large-tall would probably fit you nicely.

Anyway, back to DTC: Some of their long sizes, including those Tees come in performance, wicking fabrics. For 1/2 or 1/3 the price of Patagonia’s wicking layers.  And some of DTC’s pants are 100% nylon, although lots of their stuff is pretty thick for use on a  construction site.

I’ve also recently found some very inexpensive ($9-$11) wicking tee shirts – short and long sleeve at Walmart that are long enough for me.

Good advice above, but what clothing do you have now that you think needs to be replaced?

If you have wicking t-shirts, quick dry pants/shorts, synthetic or wool socks you have some of the basics already. Do these really need an upgrade?

What rain gear do you have? This might be an area where you want to lighten up and reduce bulk. Unfortunately, it can be expensive, too. There are cheaper options that typically come with compromises like Frogg Toggs/Dri Ducks which are cheap, but have durability concerns. On a budget, they work.

Lay out what you have and then make up a list of “needs” and “wants” along with your budget. “Wants” can make the trip more enjoyable but aren’t required.

Best wishes!

Thanks for the great advice everyone again!

@davidinkenai – I will look into that immediately.

@69roadrunner – Hi there! In terms of what gear I have, I was a scout so I have tons of old heavy and like standard warm gear from EMS, but most of its super aged and not light or its all cotton/old wool because it didn’t matter then.

Cloths List I just Obtained (Likes and Dislikes(returns possible)

Farm to Feet Clingmans Dome Socks w/ REI Liners – keeping this setup(2 pairs of each)

Tilley Merino Wool Hat – Nicest Beanie I have ever purchased. I wear em often.

Smartwool Merino 150 base layer T-shirt – This shirt seems nice, kinda expensive for the size its a XL I think and its way way like 3″ to short or even 4″. I raise my arms and its a belly shirt. RETURNing

Columbia Silver Ridge Long-Sleeve Shirt – I like the shirt but the sleeves are way to short and just the total width of the sleeves were narrow it would cut circulation off rolled up… I ordered a 2XL and am surprised at how small it is I normally wear XL Tall Button ups from JcPenny. RETURNING(Shipping for this to Backcountry might be annoying to play so might sell it on here)

Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Stretch Convertible Pants – I like these pants they feel real nice and the stretch material feels good. I ordered a 40 x 32 and am surprised at the leg length but thats a cool thing for boots or a small hemming. I ordered a wasit size up based on reviews saying they run small, but it is still a bit to big. Gonna take the jump on Amazon Wardrobe for this and the Columbia shirt to see if I can find a workable size. That or I use suspenders with these pants. If I wasnt going backpacking I wouldnt be so critical of them. (Possible Return)

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Sport 9 in. inseam – Great Feel Just the XXL Size is a bit big, Gonna try a Size Down. (Returns)

Eddie Bauer carries a lot of XL Tall, some are on sale right now also here is an example

. MEN’S RESOLUTION SHORT-SLEEVE T-SHIRT .

. MEN’S GUIDE LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT .

. MEN’S MOUNTAIN SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRT .

just a few examples

Similar build here. Usually have to go with XXL to get sleeve and back length in tops unless an XLT is available, which are rare. Mountain Hardwear tops are all too short. Montbell fits me well and is of nice quality. The XL boxers will fit you fine. The larges fit if you are closer to 38 than 39. I always look for complaints of long sleeve and back lengths. That tells me it will fit,lol.

Columbia, everything seems oversized.

I’m an assistant scoutmaster, gulp, about to become scoutmaster. Didn’t they tell you, “cotton kills!” :)

I understand. I see a wide variety of gear from our scouts. Here are some discount places to search. I’m sure you already know about REI’s garage site. I’ve found some nice discounts there.

REI Used Gear

Steep & Cheap

Used Patagonia Gear

@Michael

Check out LLBean. They have tall sizes in shirts up to XXL and long inseam sizes in pants up to XXL. Some of the hiking pants also have elastic panels in the waistline.  LLBEan now offers free shipping for purchases over $49 and free returns

RailRiders (available only on their website) is also starting to offer different length inseams and some of thier pants have elastic panels.

While I do not fancy the latest BSA nylon cargo pants since they are zip offs, many of the adult Scouters I hike with really like them.

Many of the brands that aim at climbers and runners or bicyclists (Patagonia, Arcteryx, Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardware) have items that are sized “athletic” or “slim” so you need to check out the company’s web site to check the sizing. Smartwool for example has the slim fit line of 150 weight base layers and the regular fit line of 150 weight shirts.

@btolley Ya know it didnt occur to me to go my local council office store to look at what new uniforms and cloths they offer…